Synthesis of CoFe Prussian blue analogue/carbon nanotube composite material and its application in the catalytic epoxidation of styrene

Abstract

The CoFe Prussian blue analogue/carbon nanotube composite material was synthesized and applied to catalyze the reaction of epoxidation of styrene. Carbon nanotubes were used as catalyst carriers. The catalytic activity of this composite material was superior to the CoFe Prussian blue analogue and carbon nanotubes taken independently. The composite material indeed had a larger surface area and a better particle dispersion than the bulk Prussian blue analogue. Kinetic studies were also carried out. The reaction activation energy of the CoFe Prussian blue analogue alone was equal to 75.83 kJ mol⁻¹, while the reaction activation energy of the composite material was equal to 35.67 kJ mol⁻¹. A first order reaction with respect to the concentrations of catalyst, styrene and tert-butyl hydroperoxide was also determined. The composite catalyst could be reused for up to five cycles without any significant loss in conversion and selectivity.